Get a Freelance Life

April 1, 2006
Many people dream of making a living doing something they love, and many of those dreamers are aspiring writers. Former magazine editor and successful freelancer Ragland and her colleagues from mediabistro.com, an online community where media professionals meet and share resources, offer a guide for individuals planning a freelance writing career. Beginning with a checklist to help readers decide if freelancing is a good fit for them, the book covers all aspects of the career. Tips are provided on matching writing interests with the market, specific examples illustrate the styles and focus of popular publications, and a selective list of editorial calendars demonstrates the importance of timing. Instructions on pitching an article are accompanied by samples of successful pitch letters. The last section of the book covers practical business matters like healthcare and retirement. This work is well written and contains many useful ideas and examples. It also, however, happens to fall into a popular publishing category. Public libraries fielding a demand for these books may wish to consider adding one more to their career section, but it is not an essential purchase." -Judy Solberg, Seattle Univ. Lib."

Copyright 2006 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

April 15, 2006
Ragland brings to print the popular communications Web site http://mediabistro .com, whose founder wrote the foreword. Drawing on her experiences as editor of several magazines, Ragland and the mediabistro staff offer a look at the life of freelance writing. Ragland begins by urging readers to evaluate what they'll need to succeed at freelancing: a tolerance for deadline pressures and uncertain paychecks and the ability to withstand rejection. Other sections focus on preparing a work space, cultivating relationships with editors and potential sources, and how to pitch and write articles targeted for a variety of magazines. The final chapter focuses on the business of being a freelance writer, including securing benefits and paying taxes. Interspersed throughout are samples of resumes and query letters as well as tips gleaned from interviews with editors and successful freelancers. Back-of-the-book resources include a listing of helpful sources, from professional associations to Web sites, and a glossary of publishing jargon. Aspiring freelancers will appreciate this authoritative and comprehensive resource.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2006, American Library Association.)